RANSOM - Father David H. Kraus, 72, a retired priest of the Diocese of Dodge City, died April 28, 2013, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born Aug. 3, 1940, in Ransom, the son of Hugo and Alice (Hilmes) Kraus. He graduated from Arnold High School, and attended St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, before transferring to Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo. There he earned bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Sacred Theology.

Great Bend High School Prom King and Queen Wyatt Bayless and Amy Christopher are shown, April 20. Both are seniors and were chosen by their classmates. This year's prom was "Masquerade," and many of the students donned masks of many different styles. The evening began with dinner and then "The Promenade" at the high school track. Following the dance, couples went to a huge party at the bowling alley courtesy of the junior class parents. There were prizes and gift cards for all.

Finding a way to make exciting things happen in local classrooms, despite budgetary constraints, is a challenge that the USD 428 Education Foundation has accepted and met for nearly 25 years. The organization has raised and donated nearly $250,000 to enhance education in the district through minigrants for teachers.

Blood donors participating in the Great Bend Community Blood Drive on Monday, May 6, at Bank of the West, 1222 Kansas Avenue, will receive a special thanks from Kansas Pork Farmers. The Kansas Pork Association (KPA) is teaming up with the Central Plains Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross as part of its 2013 Be Inspired to Make a Difference community program. The KPA program is providing support to organizations that are making a difference by working to build stronger communities and a stronger Kansas.

President Obama receives reports that 20 children and 6 adults have been murdered at the Sandy Hook Elementary School and decides the country needs national standards for gun accessories to protect our children. Limit ammunition capacities for rifle magazines. Outlaw triggers and stocks on rifles that look like pistols. Push for legislation requiring all law-abiding citizens to go through background checks and have the information stored for future reference.

F. Scott Fitzgerald famously uttered, "There are no second acts in American lives," but bless his heart, the besotted scribe seems blissfully unaware of the loophole large enough to taxi a C-130 through that exists for American politicians. These people are as indomitable as a mule falling off a bridge. More oblivious than a blind tortoise humping a rock. Limber like a deboned eel.